Weed? or.....

[Jardin du Fort]

This one is growing in full sun just outside a tulip bed. I have no idea what it is. Any ideas? Is it a weed, or something worth cultivating?





Thanks!

[!potatoes!]

looks like dead-nettles.

[MarcP]

I have that too. I think potatoes is right about it being deadnettle (purple)
Here are some photos on the U of M site.
http://www.michiganflora.net/images.aspx?id=1555

[applestar]

Two good things about dead nettles --

(1) when there's nothing else blooming, they attract bees, wasps, and other nectaring insects. Earliest bumble bees will go for these.

(2) if I uproot them, I almost inevitably find earthworms congregating in the roots. There must be something about these weed root zones that they like. (root exudate? >> microbial activity?)

[Jardin du Fort]

Dead nettles it is. Thanks. I think I'll consider it a weed, but will mow it and not root it up.....